Roofing work is expensive, and, if you hire the wrong contractor, you can spend thousands of dollars too much and still get terrible work. Our ratings of area roofers will help you nail down the best roofers for your job.

When it comes to decking out your windows, you’ll find so many choices, optional features, and price ranges that it’s easy to get blindsided by the process. Here’s our advice on how to buy the right stuff.

Plantation shutters. Roman shades. Curtains. There are so many ways to cover your windows that it’s tempting to just tape newspaper over the panes and be done with it. Here’s a primer on the best options to block the light, keep prying eyes at bay, or just dress up the joint.

For many types and brands of window treatments, it really pays to shop around. We report here costs quoted to Checkbook’s undercover shoppers when they sought prices for several types of window treatments at a sampling of local stores and online outlets.